Becoming a Wellbeing Walks Walk Leader
There are many reasons why people choose to become a walk leader. Leading walks can be extremely rewarding, is a great way to meet new people and build friendships in your own community and of course a fantastic, free and easy way to be healthy and be active.
Walk Leaders will be responsible for leading free, organised walks suitable for those new or returning to activity. Walks take place over easy ground, starting and finishing in a location familiar to your community. Ramblers Wellbeing Walks encourage people to not only get active but stay active, through supporting people in your community to 'join in' and ‘get up and out’.
There are exisiting groups that you may be able to join, but more often than not, you as a newly trained Walk Leader will need to create a group. Groups run best when there are multiple Walk Leaders so that the responsibility is shared.
Who can be a walk leader?
All you need is a passion for walking, be a ‘people’ person i.e. good communication skills, friendly and welcoming, and keen to lead and support others to discover the wonders of walking.
No previous experience is needed as full training and ongoing support will be provided. So whether you’re an existing volunteer looking to develop new skills, work with a community group or organisation or simply love walking, we want to hear from you!
Why become a walk leader?
There are many reasons why and here’s just a few;
- Opportunity to develop your own Ramblers Wellbeing Walk group
- Lead a social, healthy and welcoming activity.
- Meet new people and develop new skills
- Get to know your local area better and discover those hidden gems on your doorstep
Role of a Walk Leader and the support you receive
A Walk Leader is asked to:
- Deliver at least one guided walk per month (hopefully more!).
- Establish and begin leading walks within 3 months of attending the training.
- Promote your walks locally (Active Cumbria can help with this)
- Keep a risk assessment of your planned routes and review as required.
- Take responsibility for ensuring that the necessary paperwork is maintained, up to date and forwarded to the relevant organisation (either Active Cumbria or Ramblers Wellbeing Walks)
- Maintain a record of the number of walks delivered and the number of attendees
- Share good news stories, photos and videos of your walks with Active Cumbria.
In return you will receive:
- Walk Leader training both on-line elearning and delivered by Active Cumbria and accredited through the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks programme which includes Public Liability Insurance.
- Access to the national Ramblers Wellbeing Walks scheme resources section of the website.
- Marketing and communication resources such as poster templates, volunteer recruitment posters, social media guidance, images, and logos.
- Follow on support and mentoring sessions inc support to help you promote your walks
- A range of support equipment including backpack, first aid kit, clipboard and New Balance sportswear
- Regular updates from the Scheme Coordinator
Meet the Wellbeing Walks Walk Leaders
Peter Sibson, Carlisle "We first started walking with the Walking for Health groups very soon after moving to Carlisle, we were new to the city, unfamiliar with the area and knew no one living here. Volunteers were needed to lead and assist with the walks and I was glad to help. In the years since we have made many friends and acquaintances and learned about the area which we would probably not have done without involvement in the WfH groups, we derive a great deal pleasure in regularly meeting and walking with the group members."
Paul Saager, Culgaith and Eden Valley, "I've been leading walks around Culgaith and the Eden valley for over ten years now and it always surprises me how walkers and leaders benefit from them. As well as health improvements these short walks lift your mood and increase confidence and self-esteem. Many friendships have been made and developed over the years but above all it has been a fun experience. After every walk there's the opportunity to call into the VIC - Culgaith's Community Cafe - open every Thursday from 2.00pm - have a natter, a cuppa and indulge in some delicious home-made cake. Some might say the best bit of the day!"
Christine Slater, Maryport " I first joined the Ramblers in Scotland more than 25 years ago, when I found myself living alone and wanted to make new friends. I loved it so much that I wanted to give something back to the group and became a leader of easy walks. Then I went to live and work in Austria, and gave up leading, but not walking. When I retired, I wanted to get involved in walking for health, but did not know how to begin, until earlier this year, when I saw an advert for walk leaders for the new Ramblers Wellness Walking programme, so jumped at the opportunity to get involved. I started the Maryport Wellbeing Walkers and I hope that people will join me to walk along the prom or around the harbour and discover hidden corners of the town. We meet outside the Aquarium every other Wednesday at 10 am."
Interested in becoming a Wellbeing Walks Walk Leader? Please contact
Aileen Grant, Development Officer and Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Cumbria Co-ordinator
M: 07825 823443
